Grade: A
It's in the title, and it's said in dialogue within the episode: this show is about a continent-wide game for the iron throne. Perhaps it shouldn't have been surprising then that King Robert only lasted seven episodes- with a reasonably well-established king on the throne (granted, the Targaryen's might not like that statement, but most other families seemed somewhat okay with a Baratheon ruler), the 'game' would be less exciting. With a contested throne, and many houses that would like to have their leaders sit upon it, an unexpected (but perhaps planned) demise of the former king is just what Westeros needed to fully unravel into chaos.
This is absolutely the best episode of the show so far- a near perfect hour of television that provides fantastic scene after fantastic scene, and then suggesting by the episode's end that things will only escalate even more (somehow). It is such a great episode that you don't even notice the absence of two of the best characters so far: Tyrion and Arya.
Right off the gate, Tyrin Lannister's introduction is amazing. We get a great sense of who he is, what his values are, and what he wants for his family, and the way he says everything so precisely whilst not skipping a single beat, when it comes to skinning that deer... it's chilling but very compelling stuff. Tywin is absolutely one of the show's best characters; despite his ruthlessness and intensity, his motives are often understandable, and despite his imposing nature, he is not as unlikable as some of the other Lannisters, although that may just be me. Probably helps that Charles Dance is one of the best actors the show ever employed.
Ned Stark darting around King's Landing is great too, as is his final scene with Robert Baratheon. We understand why he does what he does in this episode, when he does it, but it is frustrating seeing his honour being something that ends up getting him into so much trouble. The last scene is a truly shocking moment, where you'll be both excited and nervous to see what comes next. And if you don't hate the characters of Joffrey and Cersei by this point (somehow), then you certainly will after this climactic scene.
Drogo's declaration to invade Westeros is fantastic too: scary, intense, and also extremely satisfying. I'm impressed by Jason Momoa's ability to deliver dialogue in a fictional language with such passion, and while most wouldn't call him an amazing actor most of the time, this might be one of his very best scenes in the entire show.
There is also a particularly graphic scene in here that I'm surprised they could show on television: even HBO. I don't want to mark down the episode for it, but I could see some people being bothered by how far it goes, and how long it goes on for. But I suppose it shouldn't be too surprising, considering what has come before.
Overall, this is a season highlight- maybe even a highlight of the entire series. The Game of Thrones truly starts here, and Westeros will never be the same again...
It's in the title, and it's said in dialogue within the episode: this show is about a continent-wide game for the iron throne. Perhaps it shouldn't have been surprising then that King Robert only lasted seven episodes- with a reasonably well-established king on the throne (granted, the Targaryen's might not like that statement, but most other families seemed somewhat okay with a Baratheon ruler), the 'game' would be less exciting. With a contested throne, and many houses that would like to have their leaders sit upon it, an unexpected (but perhaps planned) demise of the former king is just what Westeros needed to fully unravel into chaos.
This is absolutely the best episode of the show so far- a near perfect hour of television that provides fantastic scene after fantastic scene, and then suggesting by the episode's end that things will only escalate even more (somehow). It is such a great episode that you don't even notice the absence of two of the best characters so far: Tyrion and Arya.
Right off the gate, Tyrin Lannister's introduction is amazing. We get a great sense of who he is, what his values are, and what he wants for his family, and the way he says everything so precisely whilst not skipping a single beat, when it comes to skinning that deer... it's chilling but very compelling stuff. Tywin is absolutely one of the show's best characters; despite his ruthlessness and intensity, his motives are often understandable, and despite his imposing nature, he is not as unlikable as some of the other Lannisters, although that may just be me. Probably helps that Charles Dance is one of the best actors the show ever employed.
Ned Stark darting around King's Landing is great too, as is his final scene with Robert Baratheon. We understand why he does what he does in this episode, when he does it, but it is frustrating seeing his honour being something that ends up getting him into so much trouble. The last scene is a truly shocking moment, where you'll be both excited and nervous to see what comes next. And if you don't hate the characters of Joffrey and Cersei by this point (somehow), then you certainly will after this climactic scene.
Drogo's declaration to invade Westeros is fantastic too: scary, intense, and also extremely satisfying. I'm impressed by Jason Momoa's ability to deliver dialogue in a fictional language with such passion, and while most wouldn't call him an amazing actor most of the time, this might be one of his very best scenes in the entire show.
There is also a particularly graphic scene in here that I'm surprised they could show on television: even HBO. I don't want to mark down the episode for it, but I could see some people being bothered by how far it goes, and how long it goes on for. But I suppose it shouldn't be too surprising, considering what has come before.
Overall, this is a season highlight- maybe even a highlight of the entire series. The Game of Thrones truly starts here, and Westeros will never be the same again...